Remington 1187 or Stoeger M3500?

[Evoac05]

Hey everyone! I am looking to get a new shotgun for this upcoming duck season and I believe I have narrowed it down to these two shotguns. They are about the same in price and both take 3.5" shells. I'm just curious as to who out there have shot the two, and which one you prefer and why? I am open to suggestions on other guns, but I'm looking in the 600-700 dollar range. I also dont mind if it's a pump or an auto. Thanks to all who reply!

[Mr56Jeep]

Remingtons quality has slipped.... I'll never buy another.  I have an 11-87 waterfowl in MODB from 3 years ago in the safe with less than 300 rounds through it.... I'll never shoot it again.

[Goldeneye]

The last few years I've put a mossberg 935 through the mill.  Not one jam no matter how nasty the weather, cold or how dirty the gun got.  It has just kept shooting.  There's my referral on a gun that's in that price range.

[Crispy]

The last few years I've put a mossberg 935 through the mill.  Not one jam no matter how nasty the weather, cold or how dirty the gun got.  It has just kept shooting.  There's my referral on a gun that's in that price range.

I've heard the same about 935's too, and the price point is nice. I'm not sure if they are chambered for 3.5" though? I haven't heard much worthwhile about Remmington's quality lately, either. A friend has an 11-87 and it seems to shoot fine although I know he's had some issues with it and I've seen it jam with light trap loads. If a pump is on the menu, I like my Benelli Nova

[Jellymon]

The stoeger is a workhorse, stay away from the remington.

[300rum]

I have an 1187 and like it.  I did have trouble with 2 3/4 trap loads but after many, many rounds it is broke in and I have no failures at all.  My feeling is that the 1187 needs to be broke in.  I grew up with an 1100 so the 1187 just feels natural plus it is made in the USA.

[300rum]

I should probably add that I run my 1187 (like my 1100's) dry. 

[wadu1]

The last few years I've put a mossberg 935 through the mill.  Not one jam no matter how nasty the weather, cold or how dirty the gun got.  It has just kept shooting.  There's my referral on a gun that's in that price range.

I do not shoot a Mossy myself but I do hear good thing about them. My last 11-87 gave up the goast after 500 rounds. I only shoot junk Baikal MP153s now, never give up.

[predator guy]

Why an 1187? If you are going to go that route buy an 1100! Plucked plenty of birds out of the sky and I never cleaned the thing ,it keeps on ticki'n.

[Goldeneye]

The last few years I've put a mossberg 935 through the mill.  Not one jam no matter how nasty the weather, cold or how dirty the gun got.  It has just kept shooting.  There's my referral on a gun that's in that price range.

I've heard the same about 935's too, and the price point is nice. I'm not sure if they are chambered for 3.5" though? I haven't heard much worthwhile about Remmington's quality lately, either. A friend has an 11-87 and it seems to shoot fine although I know he's had some issues with it and I've seen it jam with light trap loads. If a pump is on the menu, I like my Benelli Nova

Yes, My 935 will shoot 3.5" all day.  Not an issue with heavy loads.

[Gamehunter034]

I have a Stoeger 2000, great gun, if I'm not mistaken Benelli makes these guns and mine has performed flawlessly! its been thru it all mud, water, many rounds and still going. Goodluck!!

[fernsjd41]

I would go with the benelli super nova my self, great gun.

[D-Rock425]

I bought an 11-87 a few years back for duck hunting big mistake its been to the gunsmith twice and is at my house currently in pieces waiting to back to the gunsmith.

[h2ofowlr]

I know a few guys that shoot the Stoeger.  They seem to do the job.

[ducklab]

First of all not to offen anyone but stoger is NOT made by benelli. They are imported by the benellli company which owns many many gun companies, stoger, uberti, franchi, berettai, etc. Some of there technology is in the stoger but it is not nearly at the same quality standards ( obviously because of the price difference) having cleared that up the stoger is a fine gun slightly better then the remington 1187. I would not purchase either. I would get a nova (supernova not worth the extra 100$) or save my money and buy a quality semi auto, from one of the 3 B's and winchester.

[Evoac05]

Thanks to everyone who replied. It looks like an overall opinion on Remington, is to stay away. I was originally looking at a super nova, but a buddy of mine said he sold his because he didn't like it. I guess I'll have to do some more research and see what feels best. Thanks again!

[Opportunist]

I own a Stoeger 2000, I've had nothing but problems with the gun. I bought the gun as a spare. I broke it in according to manufacturers recommendations. Still had cycling issues. Shot the gun dry, dirty, lubed light, lubed heavy, tried three different types    of lubes. Found the firing pin was bent, ah-ha. Stoeger shipped me a new pin. Hunted the gun with occasional cycling issues, one that cost me a collared goose. Went to change out the choke and I had lubed it and it was stuck. Broke my choke wrench trying to get the choke out. Shipped it back to Stoeger and they sent me the gun back with a new barrel. I've put at least a case of shells through the gun and it still won't shoot trap loads, it jams on light loads. It cycles fine on 3" 1450 fps or hotter loads, finally. I've heard the remington quality has slipped but I definitly don't recomend the stoeger. I can't imagine the recoil of the 3.5 "loads out of the inertia driven stoeger 3500, I would only shoot a gas operated gun if I wanted to shoot 3.5" loads.

[Wtrfowlr62]

i shoot an 11-87. The only time my gun jammed was using 2 3/4s. I always shoot threes. The only problem ive ever had with it is the exctractor broke (My fault). like 8 buck repair. Worked flawless for me in cold weather, rain you name it and ive abused it. when i get the cash i will be upgrading to the black eagle 2 or vinci though. idk i guess i just got a good gun from the bunch? 

[sticknstringman]

I have also had numerous problems with the stoeger 2000. freezes on a regular basis. i dont recomend it but havent shot the 3500. sorry

[SkookumJeff]

About a decade ago I bought a Rem 100 express and loved it.  It used to be my fowl weather gun when I didn't want to take out my pretty Benelli.  I sold it a few years back to finance some other gun purchase at the time and have regretted selling that shotgun ever since.  It breaks my heart to see what's become of Remington these days, sadly I think their future is dim.  Same with Marlin and probably ever other gun mfg. screwed up by Freedom Arms Group (Cerberus).

Skook

[Andrew]

I'd have an older 11-87 that works great, however, I've heard/read nothing but problems with the newer versions.  As for the Stoeger, I've also read / heard numerous problems too.  I'd look into a Browning Silver...their modulating gas system gets high reviews. 

[aaron42ash]

Tys- The Stoeger 3500 shoots much differently than the 2000.  The 2000 is an ok gun, but it feels cheap.  The 3500 also accepts 3.5" shells unlike the 2000.  I too agree that some of the newer 11-87's are falling short of standards.  We just bought one in DuckBlind Camo, and it works fine, but the 2 others we have are from a few years back and in great condition.  Look around for a really nice quality used one.  That's the route I would go.  Good luck, and maybe we'll hook up and shoot some ducks this year.

[Black Plague]

I have the 11-87 that was made in 1999 and the only thing that has been a problem was a gasket that eventually broke that I still need to get fixed ....currently I have a rubber band in there that has seen the last 300 rounds of trap loads but is still working ...so yeah, i don't know what the deal is with the new ones...but i love the way Remingtons point.  ...that being said, if the 11-87 is no longer being made with as much care and you don't mind a pump, the 870 Wingmaster in 3.5 is a great fitting gun for many many people (not all)  ...you just have to worry about big o'magnum loads hurting your wittle shoulder